South Korean presidential election, 1956

Republic of Korea presidential election, 1956

← 1952 15 May 1956 March 1960 →
Nominee Syngman Rhee Cho Bong-am Party Liberal Independent Popular vote 5,046,437 2,163,808 Percentage 70.0% 30.0%
Map of pluralities won in provinces and cities: ■ – Syngman Rhee
President before election Syngman Rhee Liberal Elected President Syngman Rhee Liberal

Syngman Rhee
Liberal

Syngman Rhee
Liberal

Presidential elections were held in South Korea on 15 May 1956. The result was a victory for Syngman Rhee, who won 70.0% of the vote. Voter turnout was 94.4%.

Rhee, who at that time held a virtual monopoly on political power, was opposed by Shin Ik-hee and Cho Bong-am. Shin died before the election by disease, and Cho campaigned on a platform of peaceful reunification in opposition to Rhee's policy of "March North and unify Korea". Cho exceeded expectations by receiving over 30% of the vote. Three years later, Cho was accused of violating the National Security Law and executed.